Abstract

SALGADO, Hernando. PRELIMINAR CONCEPT OF A REACTION SYSTEM FOR ALKYLATION OF ISOBUTANE ON A SOLID CATALYST. C.T.F Cienc. Tecnol. Futuro [online]. 2016, vol.6, n.3, pp.91-104. ISSN 0122-5383.

ABSTRACT In oil refineries alkylation of isobutane with olefins, especially buthylenes, is carried out to produce alkylate, a high-octane component used in the preparation of premium gasolines. Alkylate production is mainly based on processes where the catalyst is a strong liquid acid, such as hydrofluoric or sulfuric acid, which might have potential impacts on process safety and environment. Therefore, a solid catalyst would be ideal to avoid the use of highly toxic and corrosive liquid acids, as well as to facilitate the separation steps, since the formation of strong hydrocarbon-acid emulsions is avoided. Based on the state-of-the-art, simulations, and the application of a structured methodology for selecting reaction systems, in this study, a reaction system concept for alkylation of isobutane using a solid catalyst has been designed. The proposed reaction set up considers a combination of a structured catalyst in a staged CSTR-like configuration which simplifies the process, while maintaining selectivity to alkylate and product octane when compared to conventional alkylation processes. According to the literature consulted, zeolite β was found as the best alternative for an active phase catalyst that can replace liquid acids.

Keywords : Process Design; Solid Acid; Structured Catalyst; Refining Processes.

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